Throughout her long career she has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Grammy Award and the Emmy Award. The couple's striking union of broad ballads and breezy swing has combined with the endurance of their marriage and their comic facility to make them American institutions - even though neither of the couple, as separate performers or together, has put a single into the American Top 40 since 1963.
Eydie Gorme is the spelling according to their official website: http://www.steveandeydie.com
Send In The Clowns
Eydie Gorme Lyrics
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Are we a pair?
Me here at last on the ground,
you in mid-air.
Where are the clowns?
Isn't it bliss?
Don't you approve?
one who can't move.
Where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns.
Just when I'd stopped
opening doors,
finally knowing
the one that I wanted was yours,
Making my entrance again,
with my usual flair,
Sure of my lines,
no one is there.
Don't you love farce?
My fault, I fear.
I thought that you'd want what I want
sorry, my dear.
And where are the clowns?
Quick, send in the clowns.
Don't bother, they're here.
Isn't it rich?
Isn't it queer?
Losing my timing this late
in my career?
And where are the clowns?
There ought to be clowns.
Well, maybe next year
Eydie Gorme's song "Send In The Clowns" is a poignant and reflective song about a relationship that has ended. The lyrics start with a rhetorical question of "Isn't it rich?" which can be interpreted to be referring to the complicated and conflicting emotions experienced during a breakup. The next verse talks about how the two individuals in the relationship have stark differences in their personalities, with one being on the ground and the other in mid-air. The mention of clowns creates an ironic and comedic moment in the song, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
The absence of clowns could represent the lack of levity in the situation, as if the performers have not arrived either in the real sense or as a metaphorical representation of the humor that might lighten the atmosphere. The theme of irony continues with the lines "Just when I'd stopped/ opening doors" which suggests that the singer has closed off the hope of reuniting with their partner only to reveal the heartbreak at losing the one who was cherished.
Throughout the song, the singer expresses longing for a different outcome, admitting that they were at fault and as time passes, that they are losing timing and the ability to reconcile. The final line "Well, maybe next year" hints at hope for a future that is not achievable at the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Isn't it rich?
Isn't it ironic that I have everything I thought I wanted, but I'm still not content?
Are we a pair?
Are we really a good match? Am I just imagining that we are?
Me here at last on the ground, you in mid-air.
It seems like you're so much better than me and out of my reach.
Where are the clowns?
Why isn't there anyone to make me feel better about this situation?
Isn't it bliss?
Isn't it perfect that I can finally have what I've always wanted?
Don't you approve?
Why aren't you happy for me and sharing in my excitement?
One who keeps tearing around, one who can't move.
I feel like I'm stuck in one place while you're moving too fast, and it's causing tension between us.
There ought to be clowns.
I wish there were someone around to lighten the mood and have a good laugh with.
Just when I'd stopped opening doors, finally knowing the one that I wanted was yours,
Just when I stopped searching and thought I found what I wanted, I realized it was already your possession.
Making my entrance again, with my usual flair, sure of my lines, no one is there.
I feel like I missed my chance to impress you and now you're not even here to witness it.
Don't you love farce?
Don't you find it funny how everything that seemed serious is actually a joke?
My fault, I fear.
I'm taking full responsibility for ruining what could've been a great relationship.
I thought that you'd want what I want, sorry, my dear.
I thought we had similar goals and wants, but I was wrong, and I apologize if I made it seem otherwise.
Quick, send in the clowns. Don't bother, they're here.
I was hoping someone would come by to make me feel better, but I realize that feeling sorry for myself won't help.
Isn't it queer?
Isn't it strange that everything seems off-balance and not how I imagined it would be?
Losing my timing this late in my career?
Am I losing my touch, even though I thought I was established and successful?
There ought to be clowns. Well, maybe next year.
I still wish someone would come and make me laugh, but I know I can't always rely on others to bring me joy.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind